It was a magical Christmas night at the Tennessee state capitol.

The Friends were invited to be guests of honor for the Governor and First Lady’s Christmas tree lighting celebration. As soon as we pulled up, snow flakes began to fall from sky.

We were greeted with the warmest welcome and led down the decorated halls, lined with portraits of former Tennessee Governors. Through large doors, the Friends were invited to sit around a table for dinner.

In festive attire, Governor Bill Lee spoke to each Friend, making sure each knew that he was honored to have them at the capitol. First Lady Maria naturally connected with each Friend, making it easy for them to feel seen and appreciated. The Friends were impressed, though several thought they were getting to meet the president, and did not hold back in telling the Governor and First Lady their ideas.

Additional guests included Commissioner Brad Turner of the Department of Disability and Aging, several special staff members who organized the beautiful evening, and of course, Santa.

Governor Bill Lee spoke at the Nashville Rotary Club a few months ago. He told a story about driving through the different Tennessee counties with Mrs. Lee. They would point out mailboxes and try to understand the different families that they would be representing if he were elected Governor. He talked about the importance of representing each and every Tennessean, meeting them where they are, and trying to anticipate what they may need from him as a leader.

It is estimated that 2.3% of Tennesseans have a developmental disability. When you multiply that by approximately 3 immediate family members, the Friends sitting around the Governor’s table that night represented about 10% of the state’s population that is impacted by the challenges of navigating adulthood for individuals with developmental disabilities.

This is a population that often goes unnoticed, overlooked, and sometimes ignored. Possibly because it is hard to relate? Maybe because these families are resilient and often create what they need themselves? Maybe it’s like the saying credited to Plato, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” Everyone is juggling a lot and this world is not always kind, however, this is the purpose of community.

Being invited to sit around a table, share food, stories, laughter, and holiday cheer with the state’s leaders is symbolic of the value of true community.

The Friends, adults with developmental disabilities, intersect with many different races, ethnicities, religions, cultures, gender, and sexuality. Though they share many similarities to other Tennesseans, they have developmental differences that give them a disadvantage in society, however, they bring joy, insight, and perspective that is necessary and appreciated in our community.

The Governor and First Lady demonstrated their recognition that everyone deserves a seat at the table and that they represent every Tennessean, even the 2.3% of the population that gets overlooked.

After dinner, we all gathered around the Christmas tree for a festive photo and then joined other Tennesseans for cookie decorating, hot cocoa, and live Christmas carols. The Friends walked proudly through the crowds, literally shaking hands with each person they passed and stopped to wave and make children laugh. They were treated like celebrities and so they played the role.

Several Friends were stopped by people in the crowd. One was a coworker from Tazikis, others knew the Friends from performances and the Treat Truck. Again, reminders of the importance of community.

The evening concluded as we all stood on the capitol steps awaiting the lighting of the Christmas tree. Large flakes of snow danced through the air. It was truly like a movie, especially since Tennessee is lucky to ever see snow. The governor spoke and acknowledged the Friends, thanked everyone who made the magic of the evening possible, and counted down till the tree lit up the sky.

The Christmas spirit was ignited in all of us, and was the belief in a more inclusive Tennessee – Everyone deserves a place to belong.